Beach Wheels
I recently spent a week with Honda’s new CR-V Hybrid compact sport utility vehicle and came away wondering why there aren’t more hybrids in the world.
I an era between all internal combustion and all-electric, the hybrid stands out as a critical consumer bridge between the two.
Moreover, the CR-V Hybrid proves convincingly that you really don’t have to give up anything to enjoy power, performance and comfort.
My tester, the top of the line Touring Edition, was both quick and responsive on the road and yet with all its onboard technology I felt good about driving a vehicle that was on the right side of the aisle in the global warming debate.
On the outside, Honda has produced a CUV with nice, contemporary styling. My tester came in what Honda calls “Crystal Black” and was sitting on some handsome 19-inch steel alloy wheels.
Roof rails and LED head- and tail-lights helped complete the exterior as did a set of unique LED fog lamps up front.
On the road, my tester’s suspension delivered a comfortable, compliant ride with a minimum of body roll. Steering was light and accurate.
The overall ride was quiet and responsive. My tester’s gear shifter is a non-traditional push-button affair that offered four driving modes — sport, econ, EV, and normal. I kept it in sport most of the time and enjoyed the ride. You will too I suspect.
Under the CR-V Hybrid’s hood is where the magic happens.
My all-wheel-drive tester utilized Honda’s 2.0-liter. 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gas engine which was mated to an electric motor rated at 1.3-kW-hr and which was powered by a lithium-ion battery. Combined, this power plant generates 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.
In the cabin, you’ll find comfortable and supportive leather seating, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.
For 2020 my tester got a redesigned center console that now offers more storage space. The touring models also get a wireless phone charger and 60/40 split-folding second-row seats. A spacious moonroof lets you open up the vehicle and enjoy the fresh air when you’re in the mood. While there was a bit too much faux wood trim throughout the cabin for my tastes, it was a pleasant enough environment. My guess is that Honda will be updating its somewhat dated nav/information screen in upcoming model years. My tester also featured a 9-speaker audio system that will blow your socks off when cranked.
In terms of safety, my tester featured Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver assistance technologies that included collision avoidance braking, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers and a hands-free liftgate.
My CR-V Hybrid also offered three levels of regenerative braking — just one cool aspect of its “next-gen” technology. Because while operating at 40 mph or less the vehicle is nearly silent, Honda has installed an artificial noisemaker to help keep pedestrians around you safe. This device conjures — at least in my mind — the sound of an alien UFO hovering nearby. Then again, maybe I’ve just watched too many sci-fi movies for my own good.
In terms of mileage, this hybrid is a stand-out winner. I received 38 miles per gallon combined, 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg out on the open highway.
My CR-V Hybrid Touring Edition, as trimmed out, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of just over $37,000.
Final thoughts: The CR-V Hybrid is Honda’s first electrified CUV and is a key part of its campaign to have two-thirds of its global sales revenues come from electric- or hybrid-powered vehicles by 2030 — an ambitious but laudable goal.
I think you’ll find the CR-V Hybrid to be a high-quality CUV capable of doubling equally as a dependable daily driver for you Monday through Friday and as a great family hauler on the weekends. Buy and enjoy with confidence.
Jeff Mitchell is a Los Angeles-based automotive writer and reviewer. Reach him at j.edward.mitchell@gmail.com
